Patrick Vieira says he is in talks with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger over a new contract with last season's Double winners.
"I have a great relationship with the boss . . . we are talking about a new contract because that's important to me and I'd like to stay," the 26-year-old midfielder told reporters this afternoon.
"I could stay here for the rest of my career. Why not? Of course, I could also leave next year, you never know with football, but I know I am happy here," he said.
Vieira, who takes over the club captaincy from the retired Tony Adams, has two years of his deal left to run but his future has been a constant source of speculation in recent seasons.
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson claimed last week that the France international wanted to join United 12 months ago, and insisted that any player worthy of the name would love to play for the Old Trafford club.
"I was disappointed that someone like [Ferguson] should talk like that," Vieira said. "I want to be a part of the history of Arsenal, to be connected with all the good memories surrounding this club.
"There is such ambition here at Arsenal. I have never been unsettled by the stories in the papers about me and where I am supposed to be going.
"I suppose the fans read the papers but the stories have never bothered me and the people at the club know the truth, which is the most important thing."